Hobby Kit Common Scales

Before we begin cutting, gluing and painting it is worth pausing to consider the question of what scale to model as many inexperienced modelers assemble and at times will change some of the hobby layers haphazardly.

Today, the lack of knowledge (in the hobby) is not a good way to start; we want our knowledge and confidence level to increase and grow, and too many changes or poorly learned/advised/suggested options will only diminish the confidence, adding that skill sets won’t improve, and knowledge and confidence just doesn’t develop and grow and potentially the inexperienced modeler just give up.

Take the modelling “scale” subject.

Many will choose a single scale, because of the attraction of the size of the model, or time availability, or suggested by modelling friends, sometimes members of a club will suggest; there are many influencers.

A model kit when purchased contains several pieces and other related materials that need to be assembled to make a final model. Models come in many categories and have a range of common scales that makes the choice to manage the assembly easy enough for the average person to complete and display.

Choosing the right scale is important, because it will affect the level of difficulty you experience while building your model. Larger scales (1/32th and down) are generally more difficult to build than smaller scales (1/48nd and up), because there is more detail in larger models. Conversely, smaller scales are more prone to distortion and require more patience to build correctly.

If you’re just starting out, it is recommended to choose a smaller scale such as 1/72nd or 1/48th. They are less expensive and easier to build than larger scales, and they still look great when completed. Of course, if you have some experience model building then there is nothing wrong with tackling a larger-scale project right away.

As mentioned earlier, many will choose one scale and stick with it, well, that may be to an advantage to some and not for others, it’s a personal choice. So, for obvious reasons, the single-scale builder will accelerate in the skills acquiring in many facets of the hobby from sanding to fitting, from gluing to painting and to research.

On the other hand, a modeler that can’t stick to one scale will eventually gain the model building skills but at a slower pace; others will say that the modeler will have gained many skills due to the variety, on the other hand, specialists in one thing can always do better; again, it’s a matter of choice.

The scale of the model is a personal choice, and it needs to be a choice of comfort, a choice of self-commitment and dedication to the finished product. Scale models are constructed of plastic, wood, or metal or a combination. They are usually painted with enamel, lacquer, or acrylics. Today, model kits include all types of vehicles: railroad trains, cars, trucks, military vehicles, aircraft, spacecraft, buildings, people, and science fiction themes. Let’s get on with the most prevalent scale definitions, in this paper we will discover the following scales, the 1/144, 1/72, 1/48.

1/144 Scale:

For larger models like aircraft and airlines, this is the smallest of the mainstream scales and is practical. It is comparable to the railway modeller’s “N” gauge (see end of paper) and will work with those accessories, equating roughly to 2 mm to 1 foot. The tiny size does cause some detail issues, and while kits are getting better, there is a regrettable tendency to overdo panel lines, which would make the kits look much better.

There are only a few decals and accessories available. There are other preferred scale models for modelers of civil airlines, and most accessories and decals in this scale are geared toward these models.

Some scale models, such micro/mini armor, are made in the 1/144 size. A scale of 1/2 inch for every 6 feet of original dimension; or 1/144, also indicates that the model’s dimensions are 1/144 (0.00694) that of the original life-sized object. For example, a 1/144 scale model of an airplane 30 feet (9.14 m) long would only be 2.5 inches (63.5 mm) long.

Semi-finished and finished 1:144 scale models are growing more and more popular, not just in Asia but even in the West. Such as in airline models, they are being welcomed by many American and European collectors for use in miniature wargaming as well as model military vehicle displays. It is practically just as functional, but twice as massive as standard micro armor / tiny armor of the 1/285 (~6 mm (0.236 in) figure) and 1:300 (~5 mm (0.197 in) figure) scales.

A common scale for die-cast model airplanes is 1/144, a scale is typically used for big aircraft, such bombers and airliners.

In the late 1990’s, Racing Champions also produced a number of lines of microcars and trucks. These models comprised top fuel rail dragsters, NHRA Funny Cars, NASCAR Stock Cars, vintage cars, desirable muscle cars, and even semi-trucks. Despite being marketed as 1:144 scale, these Ertl-made miniatures are 38.1 mm.

A growing variety of 1/144 military models are now made available in Japan and various other countries, the scale has become more widely used in pre-painted and semi-assembled World War II aircraft and World War II/modern armor, such as Doyusha’s CanDo line and Subarudo’s World Tank Museum line, are among the products offered.

Military miniature manufacturers in this scale that create a broad range of artillery pieces, tanks, infantry vehicles, and support weaponry are Pendraken, Pithead Miniatures, Game Figures Inc., and Magister Militum. Wargamers can enjoy far more detail in 1/144 than in “micro armour” (1/285, 1/300, and almost twice as large in 1/144 scale), and the miniatures are still small enough to fight whole battles on a well-built and managed table to organize the events.

The 1/144 scale styrene kits have grown in popularity as a scale for airliners and other large aircraft. This scale is perfect for modeling because of the size of airliners. The market for such kits would be severely constrained by their size alone, and using a bigger scale would be both costly and challenging to produce. This size is also utilized by several businesses for historic spacecraft like the Space Shuttle (Revell) and the Vostok 1, Saturn 1B, and the Airfix Saturn V. Although various vessels are available, the use of model warships, especially submarines, in 1/144 size is becoming more and more popular.

Historically, aircraft have been the main source of kits. Often contributing to this expanding specialty include Trumpeter, Revell of Germany, Dragon, Sweet, Platz, Micro Ace (previously Arii), and Minicraft. Additionally, the quantity of resin kits available in this scale is constantly growing.

1/72 scale:

Manufacturers of 1/72 scale aircraft kits from the past and present include Hasegawa, Monogram, Airfix, Frog, Novo, Revell, Italeri, Tamiya, and many more.

This scale’s ancestors are the British Skybirds and Frog Penguin aviation model ranges from the 1930s; rumors have it that the Allies of World War II utilized these ranges to identify aircraft as models. This scale has covered more topics and genres than any other. The scale is very well-liked in the UK and is widely used in Western and Eastern Europe, Japan, and Latin America; however, it has recently lost popularity in Australia, Canada, and the US, where 1:48 is becoming more common.

This scale is now used for Japanese anime science fiction models, die-cast model automobiles, figurines, radio-control model ships, and soldiers. It has become more and more popular in recent years for model military vehicles.

Die-cast toys are increasingly being produced in 1/72 size. The renowned Hong Kong model car manufacturer the Hongwell Company, had established a facility devoted to producing these models sometimes in the late 1990s, is credited with starting die-cast production on this scale.

There are several reasons why this scale is so successful in the die-cast business. One of them is that, in contrast to 1/87, these models may be carefully created utilizing Zamak as the base alloy, a significant benefit. Also, some of the shipments come in perspex boxes that are simple to arrange into columns and assist collectors maintain the quality of their collections is the second reason.

Whatever it is called—God’s Scale, Gentlemen’s Scale, Braille Scale, etc., I believe that 1/72 scale is where many of us started, especially those of us who began with airplanes. Yes, I did and continue to specialize in 1/72 aircrafts.

They were widely accessible and reasonably priced, additionally they were/are simple to build, paint, in a single weekend for some of them, others well depend on the choice that the modeler makes can be a long assembly.

I believe that the 1/72 scale was once THE scale for airplanes. Let me know what you think. On a regular basis, there were numerous subjects from each manufacturer. For many years, 1/72 was the industry standard.

The earliest scale models of airplanes produced by Skybird, and their kits in the early 1930s are where the 72nd scale for models first appeared. A human six feet tall would be one inch tall, and this is method of deciding on the need for a standard size for all of their kits, the firm chose the 1/72 scale.

Several other firms also produced 1/72 scale Bakelite plastic scale models, this was especially known during World War II, where the kits were to help soldiers and pilots identify various aircraft types. Following the second world war, 1/72 scale aircraft kits were produced by Frog, Airfix, Hasegawa, Hawk, Aurora, Revell, and Monogram using the plastic that is familiar to us today.

However, these new businesses began producing at various other scales, such as 1/48 and 1/32, with great success.

Even if the scale may have lost the notoriety or the rank in most parts of the western world, I believe that Europe and Asia still have sizable markets for it.

There are now many products available in 1/72, but many interesting aircraft and cars and other military vehicles are not being re-kitted in this scale because of the presence of many older, inferior tooling. Many renowned modelers miss the availability of many of the 1/72 that are no longer available, so the hunt by serious modellers and collectors is on.

There are a few basement merchants that hunt these old kits and some of them buy and sell these classic kits for good money as they are collectibles and extremely hard to find.

What is the attraction of the 1/72 model? Space, workmanship, artwork, ease of assembly, many will agree that history and the fact that they are hard to find is probably the attraction.

Like so many others yours truly is one of those hunters, a specialist in a genre and nationality with a lot of effort is in the finding of the rare kit. As I do find them, I store it, just to give it a good home. Then and only then if I find another of the same, then I will build it.

1/48 scale:

Plastic model kits in 1/48 size are quite popular among modelers and transportation fans. Here are some of the major advantages of these models:

Detail: When compared to smaller scales, 1/48 scale models allow for far more detail replication. This enables for a more precise replication of the aircraft’s structural elements, lines, and paint details.

There are numerous, aircraft, cars, armoured vehicle models available in 1/48 size, including major historical designs, variants, and paint schemes. This makes it a popular scale among aviation enthusiasts looking to create a wide variety of models.

Benefits:

• Conversion Opportunities: Because of their larger size and more detail, 1/48 scale models are more suitable for a variety of conversions and modifications. Modelers can include new elements, change weapon combinations, and make other changes.
• Size: Models in 1/48 size are larger than those in smaller dimensions, making them more noticeable and striking to show. This is especially vital if you want to make a visually appealing diorama or display the model as a standalone
• Easier Painting: Painting on greater scales can be easier because the elements are larger and more evident. This can be useful for modelers who are just learning painting techniques.
• Realism: Because of their bigger size, 1/48 scale models may better represent the proportions and appearance of the original aircraft, resulting in increased realism and a more spectacular finished model.
• Educational and Historical Value: Building 1/48 scale models can provide excellent historical knowledge by providing for a thorough grasp of unique designs, paint schemes, and historical aviation events.

In my opinion this is the scale that has surpassed the 1/72 in popularity due to its rapid rise in popularity. One of the obvious tell signs is at modelling shows; the entry tables get packed with 1/48s, the vendors tables pack a lot of the 1/48 on sale with old and new kits. In the aftermarket there is a huge selection of top-notch kits accessories available.

An interesting concern of the 1/48 is that the detail tends to stand out more in those areas that are up front and forcing the modeller to work harder in places that it may be too obvious and realize that the details are not as “visible’ as in the real thing.

The 1/48 scale is expanding, just visit your hobby shop, it is expanding so quickly and with many subjects’ versions that many aircraft model manufacturers and armored combat vehicles manufacturers are joining the fold.

Finally, aircraft models in 1/48 scale appeal to many modelers because of their detail, size, availability, and the potential to use advanced modeling techniques.

It is a size that allows for the creation of spectacular and accurately copied airplane models.

Other military vehicles the appeal is in the variety, accuracy and magnitude of real models coming in when in the past there were none, in the auto section a spin-off of many other scales like 1/50 and 1/20 and 1/30 is growing.

This is the end of part one, in part two I will highlight the 1/32, 1/35, 1/24 and N scale

Thank you for your time.

Thomas Ricci has been building model airplanes since the age of 12. When I reached the age of 14, he formed a club with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron in Toronto, and helped build plastic model airplanes for general displays.

Over the years, Thomas has continued to build aircraft and joined local modelling clubs within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

His skills are now focused on building Italian aircraft, and aircraft flown by Italian pilots and or engineered by Italian engineers. The main goal is to build the aircraft as historical accurate as possible with a story line.

A list of past and ongoing modelling participation by Thomas include:
-Peel Scale Modelers, Aerobuffs, IPMS Italy, IPMS Toronto
– Founder and President of the Club Frecce Tricolori of North America No117
– Participated in the MB339 aircraft model building and display representing the Frecce Tricolori PAN in Oderzo and Rivolto (UD) Italy (2012)
– Founder and Supporter of the Checkertails di Lesina, a monument dedicated to the U.S.A.A.F. 325th Fighter Group, Checkertails; Lesina (FG) Italy (2011 – present)